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Domaine de Bonserine

Côte Rotie La Garde 2012

Domaine de Bonserine

The wines from Côte Rotie are among the greatest wines in the world. Côte Rotie translates to “roasted slope” due to the amount of sunshine the steep slopes receive. The appellation is south-facing and not greatly affected by northerly winds, and has a temperate continental climate similar to that of Lyon: winters are mild, summers hot, and rainfall is regular. The “Mediterranean” influence can be felt in the “drying” southerly wind. While it proved resistant to phylloxera and other diseases, the Great War of 1914-1918 claimed 150 winemakers, meaning some of the hillsides fell out of use. In 1960, only 60 hectares of production remained, but the 1980s saw the vineyard’s revival. The appellation was given fresh impetus and acquired international renown. Almost all of the vines are planted on metamorphic rocks: pressure and temperature – which are higher in the south of the appellation – have created three different terroirs: mica schists in the north, Gneiss to the south, and migmatite at the south-eastern tip. In Côte-Rôtie, the parent rock contains a large number of fractures that provide the vines’ roots with access to the water and minerals contained therein.

Terroir: "La Garde” comes from a strict selection of the estate’s best parcels on the Côte Blonde and Côte Brune. “La Garde” was the old name of one of the best parcels used to make this wine. This parcel is now called “Côte Blonde”. The name “La Garde” (name on the cadastre) came from the ancient watchtower that stood there (considered the first castle of Ampuis, today in ruins), as shown on the front label. The parcels used to produce “La Garde” are planted with 60 to 80 year old vines’. Only produced in exceptional vintage, this is a veritable fine wine!

Vinification: Severe pruning, leaf plucking, and if necessary a green harvest, to ensure low yields of healthy ripe grapes (AOC authorizes 44hl/ha but Bonserine averages 30-35 hl/ha.). Yields for the production of “La Garde” are even lower! Hand-harvested and sorted three times to select only the best grapes. Every parcel is vinified separately and fermentation triggered by its own wild yeast. The yeast present naturally on the skin helps the terroir to express itself. At Bonserine, the philosophy is to work "as naturally as possible", both in the vineyard and in the cellar. All vineyard work is conducted following sustainable practices; in all its vineyard farming, no herbicides, chemicals or pesticides are employed. Maceration lasts four weeks; the goal is to do more pump-overs than punch-down in order to extract the noblest tannins. Aged in 228- liter new oak barrels for an extended period of 3 years.

Additional Information

Deep dark color, this wine reveals aromas of cocoa, mocha, plums, dark fruit and pepper. This earthy and meaty wine is opulent with a great finesse, smooth tannins and a long finish. This wine is ideal for ageing!

2012 vintage: Flowering happened late and irregularly throughout the vineyards because of strong frost in the winter. Spring was rainy but August was hot and dry, which accelerated the maturity of the grape and increase quality.

Pairing: Ideal with poultry, grilled red meat and cheese.

Technical Details

Appellation: Côte Rotie

Winemaker: Stéphane Carell

Sustainability: Sustainable Practices

Soil: Decomposed mica schist

Vineyard Acreage: 1ha

Avg Vine Age: 60-80+ years

Alcohol: 13.5%

Avg Production: 3,500 bottles

Sizes Available: 750ml

Pack Size: 6/750ml

UPC Code: 3 76010368047 5

Varietals: 100% Syrah

Recent Press

Score: 92 Points

VinousAuthor: Josh RaynoldsDate: Tuesday, August 1, 2017

(raised in large new oak casks for three years) Deep ruby. Powerful aromas of ripe dark fruits, smoky minerals, incense and licorice, along with deeper suggestions of olive and dark chocolate. Supple and sweet on the palate, offering intense blackberry, bitter cherry and spicecake flavors that are sharpened and lifted by a jolt of smoky minerality. Shows excellent clarity and thrust on the finish, which is shaped by supple, slow-building tannins.

Score: 95 Points

Wine SpectatorAuthor: James MolesworthDate: Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Alluring black tea and bergamot aromas lead the way, followed by an assertive, polished and fleshy core of plum, cassis and cherry preserve flavors. A long bolt of iron underneath remains well-embedded, while a lingering mesquite details adds extra range and length. Best from 2019 through 2034. From France.

Score: 94 Points

The Wine AdvocateAuthor: Jeb DunnuckDate: Tuesday, December 1, 2015

The smallest production release, with roughly 300 cases made, the 2012 Cte Rtie La Garde is 100% Syrah that sees a full 36 months in new French oak. More closed, backward and tight than the other cuvees, it reluctantly gives up firm, edgy notes of black raspberry, liquid smoke and violets. Medium to full-bodied, with firm tannin and juicy acidity, its in need of 4-5 years of cellaring and will have upward of two decades of longevity.